Family relationships can be filled with love and support, but they can also be sophisticated and hurting. Sometimes, the people we love about the most can batter us in ways we never predicted. When money, trust, and loyalty get involved, things can become even more difficult. Recently, we received a letter from a reader who talked about a personal story about dealing with a terrible situation with her own mother.

Linda’s story:

My mom, 54, got sick and quit her job.

I moved in to care for her. After she got better, she now wants me to pay her. She said, “You lived and ate for free for 6 months!”

But the worst surprise came when my sister shared that our mom had changed her will and left her 100% of our house. Mom had even asked her to keep it a secret from me.

The reason? Turns out my sister had been giving our mom a $500 monthly allowance, and in exchange, Mom gave her the house. My sister admitted it didn’t feel fair and thought I deserved to know.

I was damaged. I had dropped everything to be by my mom’s side when she needed help, and in the end, she selcted money over love and loyalty. I felt completely betrayed.

But I wasn’t going to let it slide…

2 days later, my mom froze when I told her that I had secretly spoken to a lawyer. My sister agreed to sell the house and split the money with me. I told mom that she has one month to find a place to move out.

She was quiet for a moment. Then she broke down crying, saying we had betrayed her and that she never wanted to see me again.

Now I can’t help but wonder: am I being too harsh on my mother?